Spalding University’s graduation to be June 3

Spalding University awarded 586 undergraduate and graduate degrees at its commencement exercises June 6. Graduates, left, processed into Canaan Christian Church, 2840 Hikes Lane. Others took time to stop for a quick photo, below, before the ceremony began. (Record Photos by Jessica Able)
Spalding University graduates processed into Canaan Christian Church, 2840 Hikes Lane, in this June 6, 2015, photo. (Record File Photo by Jessica Able)

Record Staff Report

Spalding University will confer 566 undergraduate and graduate degrees June 3 at Canaan Christian Church, 2840 Hikes Lane. Commencement exercises will begin at 10 a.m.

In addition to the class of 2017, the university will honor three others for their service, philanthropy, leadership and dedication to the greater good, an announcement from Spalding said.

n Lonnie Ali, wife of the late Muhammad Ali, will receive an honorary doctor of public service degree for her work as “an international civic leader and businesswoman,” the announcement said.

The announcement notes that she “co-founded, with her husband, the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, a multicultural center and museum dedicated to her husband Muhammad’s life and legacy. She has toured the world on humanitarian initiatives and is an international leader and advocate for Parkinson’s research, patients and caregivers.”

n Susan Griffin, who holds a bachelor’s degree from Spalding and founded Griffin Fundraising and Marketing, will receive Spalding’s highest honor, the Caritas Medal alumni award. She previously served as the executive vice president of the Cathedral Heritage Foundation (now the Center for Interfaith Relations) and associate executive director for Kentuckiana Metroversity, the announcement notes.

The medal “is presented to an alumna or alumnus who, within her or his community or on a national or international level, has made a significant contribution to the field and who lives out the university’s mission.”

n Dr. Rob McAlister, a professor in Spalding’s Auerbach School of Occupational Therapy, will receive the 2017 Outstanding Faculty Award. He specializes in kinesiology and treatment of adult neurological physical dysfunction.

“The award honors one faculty member each year who has made a significant impact through teaching, scholarship and service,” the announcement said.

Spalding President Tori Murden McClure said,“Our honorees have pursued their passions and succeeded in their careers while contributing to civic organizations and the greater community. Their compassion and achievements are examples for the Spalding community.”

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